From The Hollywood Reporter, July 12, 2004McG flies out of Warners' 'Superman'By BORYS KIT

Director McG is no longer attached to the next installment of Warner Bros. Pictures' "Superman."

A Warners spokesperson confirmed that the studio and the director have amicably parted ways. The primary reason given was the inability to agree over a budget. Casting also was an issue.

Part of the conflict between the director and the studio was the shooting location. McG favored a New York shoot, while the studio favored Australia.

"When I flew to New York to scout, I became enamored with our greatest American city," McG said in a statement. "It was clear to me that this was Metropolis. As a filmmaker, I felt it was inappropriate to try to capture the heart of America on another continent. I look at Superman as a character that embodies all that is beautiful about America."

Warners is now on the lookout for a new director. McG's departure also does not tie the studio to the script, which was written by "Alias" creator J.J. Abrams.